Am I At Risk Of Getting An Asthma Attack?

Did your asthma interfere with normal daily activities, such as work, housework, or exercise?

Do you have difficulty sleeping due to your asthma?

Do you have your usual asthma symptoms (cough, wheeze, shortness of breath) during the day?

Do you have a stuffy or runny nose even when you don't have a cold?

Have you recently had infections like colds and flu?

If you are a person with allergies, have you been exposed to an allergen such as pollen, mites, animal fur or feathers?

Have you been exposed to cigarette smoke, air pollution or sudden changes in temperature (cold air)?

Are you stressed?

If you use a reliever inhaler, have you used it almost daily in the past month?

Have you been hospitalized two or more times for asthma or have you visited ED 3 or more times in the last year?

Based on your answers you have a low risk of getting an asthma attack. Asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease characterized by coughing, wheezing and shortness of breath. Even when you have mild asthma, an annual checkup is one of the important things that can help you reduce your risk of an asthma attack. Any contact with asthma triggers can quickly lead to serious problems, regardless of the severity of your symptoms. Taking your medication regularly as prescribed by your doctor and using a "written asthma action plan" can greatly help keep your asthma under control and keep your risk of asthma attacks low.

Based on your answers you have a moderate risk of getting an asthma attack. An asthma attack refers to an episode of worsening asthma symptoms. An asthma attack can be a very serious condition that can be overcome by using a reliever inhaler, while in some cases an urgent medical help may be needed. Every person with asthma must know their asthma triggers well, and avoid them. Asthma is a condition that changes over time, so it is necessary to check with your doctor at least once a year whether your asthma therapy and the way you are taking the medication are still adequate for your asthma.

Based on your answers you have a high risk of getting an asthma attack. A person with asthma must be especially careful if there are risk factors that indicate that their asthma is not under control. Even if you have a mild form of asthma, under certain circumstances you can develop a severe or even fatal asthma attack. You should avoid or remove all known allergens from your immediate environment (like pets and cigarette smoke). It is important to be able to recognize early signs of asthma worsening, and use a written asthma action plan. Monitor your symptoms and be sure to tell your doctor about any changes.